As 2011 comes to an end, we at the NTPA look back on a successful season, and give you our Top 5 Stories of 2011.

First, we have a few honorable mentions:

• The passing of modified puller Jeff Gueningsman 
• Petros' Two Wheel Drive Trucks finishing the Grand National Points 1-2-3
• The tight race all season between Hathaways and Adam Bauer, who eventually earned the Mini title
• Marcus Wettleson was leading the points In the Light Super Stock division going into the last event in Sandwich, Ill., but the Korth/Chizek team took the title

#5 Phil Fairbanks wins three Titles in Europe

After winning a Grand National title in 2010, the “Original Rat Poison” was not in the United States to defend the title, but was on tour in Europe. The opportunity came about from team Lambada’s 2010 visit to the USA. Fairbanks and team competed in three circuits. Based out of the Netherlands, they competed with the Netherlands Truck and Tractor pulling Organization (NTTO). The second circuit held events all across Europe with pullers from several countries. The third was the European Championships (EC).

The European Championships is a two-day event held in Alaharma, Finland. This pull included all the top finishers from the European circuit competing to decide who would be the European Champion. The “Original Rat Poison” won by less than five inches in the EC!

Overall, the “Original Rat Poison” had nine first place finishes, four second place and one third place finish. Fairbanks won all three titles he competed for and could arguably be the first “World Champion” via the 2010 Grand National Championship and 2011 European Championship.

 #4 NTPA Offers Live Web Video Streaming from Select Events

#3 Announcement of Case IH as sponsor of Grand National Circuit 
As the official farm equipment brand, Case IH will become a noticeable feature at NTPA Grand and Super National tractor pulling events. Case IH equipment will be working most of these events and all competing vehicles will display two Case IH decals on their pulling trucks and tractors. In addition to the visibility on the track, Case IH will be the presenting sponsor of the “NTPA Championship Pulling Series” shown three times weekly on RFD-TV. Case IH will also contribute to the NTPA Grand National Points Fund, which awards the top five point leaders for each NTPA Grand National division. Look for Case IH at your local Grand and Super National events in 2012.

#2 Enderle Pull-Off Reaches 25 Years
In pulling, one event is known by a single word: Enderle. The influence of Kent and Joan Enderle on the sport of pulling can be felt today as it was nearly 25 years ago. This past September, the Enderle Pull-Off reached its 25th anniversary milestone, and has paid out nearly $1,150,000 in the process. Many thanks to Kent Enderle, who has given NTPA its longest standing sponsorship and gained many friends along the way. Special thanks to his wife Joan, who gave Kent that extra boost of confidence to initiate the program. Without that support, the Enderle Pull-Off would not have gotten off the ground. Unfortunately, we lost Joan in December 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer, and we are left with her spirit. Her legacy continues with her son Mike Keena and his wife Yovana. Ask any competitor about the Enderle Pull-Off, and they will tell you it is a great honor to be a part of this historic event.

#1 Kathy Schalitz wins Unlimited Modified Championship in a Four-Way Battle in Canfield
It would be hard to write a script as perfect as the events that unfolded during the season while crowning the Unlimited Modified champion. Six-time champion Bill Vories had a rough start in 2011, and looked to be out of the race for the seventh crown. Fast forward to after the Saturday night session in Bowling Green. The “Black Widow” team had a commanding lead in the points, and looked to have a championship waiting. But trouble loomed for the Sunday afternoon session. After making the pull-off in the first pass, the team could not get the tractor to fire. An electrical problem arose and they tried with the primary and secondary starters with no luck. After ample time was given, the team was forced to take last place among pull-off competitors. With three hooks to finish the season, it looked to be an exciting points race once again. Jefferson City, Mo. hosted two hooks and as the dust settled going into Canfield, Ohio, Voreis and Schalitz were tied in the points with Brian Shramek one point out and Bruce Slagh two points behind.

Schalitz drew the first hook position and made an easy full pull down the track. The track officials decided to heavy up the sled. All four competitors made full passes and entered the pull-off. Schalitz was last to hook and took the highest finish of the four competitors to take the championship. It was an impressive pass as it was the third of the evening for the team.

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